Confirmatory factor analysis: An introduction for psychosomatic medicine researchers

Michael A. Babyak, Samuel B. Green

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

99 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present an introduction to the basic concepts essential to understanding confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We initially discuss the underlying mathematical model and its graphical representation. We then show how parameters are estimated for the CFA model based on the maximum likelihood function. Finally, we discuss several ways in which model fit is evaluated as well as introduce the concept of model identification. In our presentation, we use an example to illustrate the application of CFA to psychosomatic research and touch on the more general role of structural equation modeling in psychosomatic research.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)587-597
Number of pages11
JournalPsychosomatic Medicine
Volume72
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2010

Keywords

  • Confirmatory factor analysis
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Mathematical model
  • Model fit and identification
  • Psychosomatic research.
  • Structural equation modeling

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Applied Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Confirmatory factor analysis: An introduction for psychosomatic medicine researchers'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this